Synthetic antimicrobial peptides: Combatting antimicrobial resistance for sustainable aquaculture

The widespread use of antibiotics has resulted in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, raising major public health concerns. This highlights the urgent need for alternative molecules that are safe for the environment. In this context, researchers are exploring antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as viable alternative antibiotics for treating these diseases. Despite their potential, natural AMPs have several limitations, including limited efficacy in biological systems, high production costs, toxicity to host cells, and low in vivo stability. To address these challenges, researchers are focusing on designing synthetic AMPs with enhanced stability, efficacy, and targeted antimicrobial action. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the necessity for designing synthetic AMPs in aquaculture and their environmental implications. We discuss the issue of antibiotic resistance and various strategies for designing highly potent and improved synthetic analogs of natural AMPs. Additionally, the review covers various computational tools and machine learning-based approaches that facilitate AMP prediction and rational design, enabling the development of peptides with improved therapeutic properties. By integrating advances in synthetic biology and computational modelling, synthetic AMPs offer a promising, sustainable solution for disease control in aquaculture, reducing reliance on conventional antibiotics and enhancing aquatic animal health.